We’re just a few weeks out from opening day of the 2019 Minnesota State Fair and I’m in my element writing about my most favorite time of the year. I love the planning and the anticipation, the scouting out of new foods and attractions, and the pulling together of a list I’ll check off with my family over the many days we’ll spend together. Because for us, the State Fair is truly a family affair. I’ve been bringing my four children along since their infancy (for better or for worse). And that is why I feel confident in sharing this list of 10 of our favorite live Minnesota State Fair family entertainment options to enjoy together.

It’s a pretty widely accepted fact: If you plan to tote a family along for a day at the Minnesota State Fair, you’re going to come home with a considerably lighter wallet. The skewered foods are tempting, the Midway & Kidway are calling, the deals are hot and, oh yes, there are those admission tickets to consider. If you’ve been keeping up with the latest and greatest from the State Fair, you probably know that admission prices are not increasing this year. Here’s what you’re looking at paying for regular admission for 2019:

$15/adults (13-64) $13/seniors (65+) $13/kids (5-12) Free/under 5

Now, the prices of food and whatnot are beyond our control. (Though I suppose you could vow to consume nothing at the Fair, but who does that?) (Hey – I do that! We always bring a well-planned, tasty picnic with us! – Joy) There are, however, some surefire ways to save more than a few bucks on admission tickets. I assure you I will be using every one of the strategies listed below as I’m now in possession of four paying kiddos at the gate:

Purchase pre-Fair discount admission tickets – $12/all ages. These are available in person at the State Fair ticket office through Aug 21 (1741 Como Avenue). Tickets are also available participating Cub Foods locations through Aug 21. Discounted ride & game tickets, and Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are sold at these sites as well. Special note: the State Fair does not accept discount admission tickets to cover the cost of on-site parking. The charge to park this year is $15, cash only.

Take advantage of 2019 Promotional Days for Minnesota State Fair Discounts– if possible, plan to come on one of the following:

Ramsey County Library’s Bookawocky program – earns kids ages 5 – 11 who complete a summer activity booklet a pack of prizes including one State Fair admission ticket.

2019: THE FREE STATE FAIR TICKET PRIZE PACK IS ONLY AVAILABLE THIS YEAR THROUGH A RAFFLE DRAWING. We hope in future years libraries are able to resume the free ticket to each child who completes the summer reading program.

Several other county libraries have participated in the Bookawocky program and will enter your child’s name in a drawing to win prizes that may include Fair tickets. Be sure to check if your local library participates.

Volunteer at the Fair – at one of many fun locations and receive complimentary gate admission as thanks. No, it’s not always convenient (but it is possible!) to bring kids along to volunteer. Consider signing up for an early shift, then plan to have another caregiver bring the kids to join you in the afternoon. To practice what we preach, Family Fun Twin Cities helped out in the Alphabet Forest in 2014 and at Little Farm Hands in 2015. Click any of the following links to see how you can get involved.

Alphabet Forest – Our first crack at volunteering at the Fair with kids was at the Alphabet Forest exhibit in 2014. The kids enjoyed duties right alongside us promoting literacy activities and local authors.

Little Farm Hands – FFTC invited Twin Cities-area families to come volunteer alongside us at the 2015 Fair. You do NOT, however, need to be with an organization to volunteer your time. Shifts are about 3 hours long and include guiding families through the mock farm exhibit. Once your shift has been completed, you are free to enjoy the Fair!

MN State Fair Foundation – Anne is super excited to be volunteering for the Minnesota State Fair Foundation for the first time in 2019. While this is NOT an opportunity fit for kids, she will earn a free admission ticket for each 4-hour shift served.